'Help I'm in crisis'

How do i get help in a crisis?

If you are upset and having thoughts and urges about hurting yourself, or ending your life then stop, take a deep breath and read this page:

A crisis is any situation in which you feel you need urgent help. For example, you might feel in crisis if:

  • You are having suicidal thoughts and feelings
  • You are having thoughts about harming yourself
  • You have seriously hurt yourself, or taken any harmful substances

The table below gives some general information on how you can get help in a crisis:

What's happening Ways you can get help
You think you may act on suicidal feelings, or you have seriously harmed yourself
  • You can go to any hospital A&E department and ask for help (if you need to, you can call 999 and ask for an ambulance).
  • You can call 111 option 2 to access support.
  • If you are in Essex you can call the Crisis Line on 0300 300 1600 (M-F, 9-5) or 0300 555 120 (weekends and evenings).
  • If you are in Hertfordshire you can call the Crisis Line on 0800 6444 101 (open 24/7).
You are feeling extremely distressed, or are experiencing suicidal feelings
  • You can call Childline on 0800 1111 (freephone) - they're there to listen to you.
  • You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 (freephone). Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you.
  • You can use the 'I need urgent help' tool on the YoungMinds website for more options.
  • If you are already in touch with a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) , you can contact them and ask how they can support you.
  • You might find it helpful to read YoungMinds' information pages on coping with:
You need medical help or advice fast, but it's not an emergency
  • You can contact your GP and make an appointment for as soon as possible.
  • If you live in Essex you access Kooth which is a free, safe, anonymous online emotional wellbeing community that is accessible 24/7, 365 days of the year and provides access to chat sessions with BACP-accredited counsellors and qualified emotional wellbeing practitioners.
  • If you live in Hertfordshire you can access The Sandbox is a directory of mental health support for all children and young people in Hertfordshire. Links to support children, parents, and carers.

Let someone know you do not feel safe or are struggling (a parent/carer or professional helpline).

Remember

  1. There are people who will listen, help and support you through this; it’s ok to ask for help.
  2. Just like stormy weather, strong feelings and urges will pass; it will not always feel this bad.
  3. Thoughts are just thoughts, we do not have to follow them. There are many other ways of managing other than harming yourself.